My friend Heidi posted on our Hodgepodge Facebook page: “I would love to see a post about things you consider staples in your kitchen…things you always have on hand to make it easier to keep the Hodgepodge bellies filled.” I’m glad she asked! Because she is right. We do keep basics on hand to make it simple. Today I share with you a tour of

This past Saturday was another impromptu batch cooking day. Saturday morning I made a double batch of pancakes while we were having an easy-going morning. The benefits of the batch resulted in two gallon-sized freezer bags stacked full of pancakes. Then, after Hodgepodgedad’s trip to the grocery, I found myself blessed with six pounds of ground turkey. I slid one package into the slow cooker.

Yes, a meal plan stacked high with sandwiches. I need to hone my sandwich making skills with warmer weather coming. But it won’t be just any regular ol’ sandwiches. Inspiration comes from $5 Dinners Breakfast and Lunch Cookbook as well as the red and white checked I’m Writing My Own Cookbook. So settle in and grab one for your plate. But first, Cooking Fun: Two

“A man ought to eat what’s offered and be glad to get it!” ~ Rose Watson, Mitford Series My freezer is depleted thanks to the last couple month’s worth of freezer/pantry challenges and good, cheap eats. So, it’s time to batch cook again. Maybe a mini Big Cook. I’ll use what I have on hand in the big wheat barrels plus pick up bags of

Slow because I love my slow cooker. Southern because I am and that’s the finest kind of frugal, comfort food. Sunny, simply because it’s spring time! I’ve been browsing my Southern Living magazines and their site for a fresh, two weeks worth of meal ideas. With a few Hodgepodge favorites thrown in for good measure. First, Cooking Fun. Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies (made with

-an update from the archives Yes. You heard me right. I shared this routine on Twitter one day and several friends asked for the secret. Really, it’s no secret, just a bit of pre-planning. My friend, Kellie, asked specifically, “Give us recipes that are great to make for supper, during the lunch hour and give us tips on how to do it!” She also asked

It has been a while since I posted a meal plan because when Grandma and Grandpa retired out west, we were given the contents of their freezer and pantry. Wow! And, so, I am working around what we already have again, just like in the last freezer and pantry challenge. Supplementing with a grocery run and lots of cheap ideas from Hillbilly Housewife’s $70 Low

Who doesn’t love cinnamon toast? Especially children. So it was a big ‘duh’ moment for me when I read Hillbilly Housewife’s $45 Emergency Menu a while back. She suggests cinnamon toast for snacks – for children and adults alike! If you think that’s a smart money saver too, click over and check out her: $45 Emergency Menu for 4 to 6 and $70 Low Cost